Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus)

These photos were taken in Oregon and California.

Mule deer are divided into two sub-species of Black-tailed Deer. They are found in the western U.S., from the Canadian Rockies to the Mexican deserts. Named for their large ears, they prefer open, dry habitats, and are found in semi-deserts, deserts, hilly, and mountainous areas. They can live to ten years of age in the wild. They are ruminants, their diet consisting of twigs, shoots, grasses, leaves, seeds, and berries. Social animals, the males and females live seperately in small heards of three or four. They are polygamous, rutting occurs from October to December. One or two fawns are born in June or July. With good night vision, they are most active in the early morning and late evening.

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